Brackley Town chairman Francis Oliver has declared the club does not deserve promotion from National League North if they fail to beat bottom side Farsley Celtic in their final game. The Saints host Farsley at St James Park on Saturday, with a win needed to secure their first-ever promotion to the National League. Next fixture: vs Oxford City (at home, 2026-12-26).
What’s at stake for Brackley Town?
The team has reached the play-offs six times since 2018 but has never secured promotion. Oliver believes this season’s squad has the belief to finally top the table, avoiding another play-off heartbreak. A loss would leave them relying on goal difference, a scenario Oliver dismisses as undeserved.
The curse of near-misses
Oliver reflects on past disappointments, including the 2024 play-off final where Brackley lost to Boston United after conceding late. The chairman admits the team’s history of falling short adds pressure but insists this squad is different. They currently sit second, level on points with Kidderminster Harriers but with a weaker goal difference.
What comes next?
Oliver has checked the weather and will bring his lucky umbrella to the match. If Brackley wins, they will secure automatic promotion. If not, they face another play-off battle. Meanwhile, Kettering Town, another Northamptonshire side, also fights for promotion in the Southern League Premier Division Central.
